Man Utd drop points, lose Giggs, Rio, O'Shea in Blackburn shocker

The result not only handed Chelsea a massive advantage in the title battle, but also left United with a major crisis.

Wayne Rooney missed the game with his ankle sprain, while Rio Ferdinand picked up a groin injury, Ryan Giggs was forced off with a hamstring strain and John O'Shea also left the field early as he started for the first time since November.

"Rio dislocated his finger but ended up with a groin injury," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"We effectively had 10 men on the pitch at the end, which is not good when you are chasing a victory."